Prof. Dr. Jennifer Antomo was appointed to Mainz University of Applied Sciences in September 2022 and teaches private business law, contract drafting and law enforcement at the School of Business.
What prompted you to switch to Mainz University of Applied Sciences?
I have pursued very different activities over the years as a company founder, lawyer and academic. However, I knew very early on that my long-term path was in research and teaching, as I am a passionate teacher and writer. When I saw the position advertised, I immediately knew that I would apply for it. I was particularly attracted by the broad nature of the professorship – private business law, contract drafting and law enforcement. This means I can hold lectures in very different and exciting areas of law. And on a personal level, I am very happy to be able to work in Mainz, the place I have chosen to call home for many years. This makes it much easier for me to balance my career and my family, as I had just become a mother when I was appointed to the professorship.
What do you find most appealing about your new position?
This involves a whole range of different aspects: I find it very pleasant to work in a transparent and friendly environment and not at a huge organization. After just one semester, I not only know many of my colleagues, I also know numerous students personally and I look forward to accompanying them throughout their studies in the coming years. This makes it possible to teach in small groups. I also like the interdisciplinary atmosphere at our university and I am looking forward to the exchange when the Schools of Design and Engineering move to our campus soon. At the same time, I am happy to not only teach law as a minor, but to be able to really go into depth in the Business Law bachelor’s degree program. In terms of teaching, I am particularly excited that I will also be teaching private international private law and procedural law in the future – my favorite subject since my own studies. And finally, I am also looking forward to being the Equal Opportunities Officer for the School of Busines, where I can champion all policy issues relating to gender equality.
What topic would you like to exchange ideas with students on in a casual setting?
When it comes to my teaching and research, I am particularly interested in current legal policy issues in civil law. However, there are so many other current political and social issues that I would like to discuss with students. I am interested in students’ thoughts and concerns about their future, for example whether and how climate change, the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East or the growing right-wing populism in our society will affect their lives or their plans. I am convinced that a collective dialog about such issues not only alleviates fears, but above all makes us aware that each and every one of us can and must help shape the society in which we want to live in the future.
Under the heading “Three questions for…”, newly appointed professors are presented here in varying order.